BILL REQ. #:  H-3563.1 

Read first time 01/13/12.   Referred to Committee on Education.

     AN ACT Relating to defining a high school credit for graduation purposes based on the recommendations of the quality education council; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.230 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28A.230 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) By July 1, 2013, each school district board of directors that grants high school diplomas shall adopt a policy that defines a high school credit for purposes of meeting state and local graduation requirements, in accordance with rules regarding credits adopted by the state board of education. The Washington state school directors' association, within available funds and in consultation with the state board of education, shall develop a model policy that school districts may choose to adopt to satisfy the policy requirements. The policy may define a high school credit based on a seat-time definition, demonstrated competencies, or some combination, as long as the policy specifies the means by which the school district assures that students have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to earn a credit.
     (2) Each school district board of directors shall submit a copy of its policy to the state board of education.
     (3) The state board of education shall require school districts to certify annually to the board that the district has a policy to define a high school credit.